Which term describes the nurse's ability to initiate interventions without physician orders?

The ability of a nurse to initiate interventions without requiring physician orders is best described by the term autonomy. Autonomy in nursing refers to the capacity of nurses to make independent clinical decisions based on their knowledge, skills, and judgment. This encompasses the ability to assess patient needs, prioritize care, and implement appropriate interventions in a way that ensures patient safety and quality of care.

In many situations, especially within the nursing process, licensed nurses exercise their professional judgment to act in the best interest of their patients. This can include responding to changes in a patient's condition or carrying out actions that are deemed necessary based on established protocols or standards of practice, all of which demonstrate the autonomy inherent in the nursing role.

The other terms relate to important aspects of nursing practice but do not specifically capture this ability. Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions and the outcomes of care, implementation refers to the execution of interventions, and patient advocacy is about supporting and representing patients' interests and needs. While these are all essential components of nursing, they do not directly address the concept of initiating interventions independently.